Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any resident staff at the traditional house?
While staff may occasionally be present in the management building (located next to the main house), there is no resident staff on-site. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by email below:
Email: kominka.marcelo@gmail.com
How do check-in and check-out work?
Regarding key pickup and return during check-in and check-out, please refer to our House Rules & Guidelines.
Q. Who should I contact if I have questions on-site?
We respond via email. Please reach out to us at the following address:
Email: kominka.marcelo@gmail.com
How many guests can stay?
Based on the facility’s capacity and equipment, the maximum occupancy is up to 7 guests. If your group exceeds 7 people, please contact us in advance.
Can I pay the accommodation fee in cash?
We cannot accept cash payments. The facility is only available to guests who reserve and complete payment in advance via credit card on our website.
How do I cancel a reservation?
Cancellations are accepted by email. Please send an email stating your name, reservation dates, and intent to cancel to the following address:
Email: kominka.marcelo@gmail.com
* For details regarding cancellation fees, please see the cancellation policy in our House Rules & Guidelines.
Q. What should I do if equipment or property is damaged?
If any equipment or property is damaged, please report it to us by email. Please note that if damage is found to be intentional and went unreported, we may charge for repair costs.
I want to use the irori (hearth), but I don’t know how to use it.
Please refer to our Irori Hearth Page for instructions.
* Please exercise extreme caution when handling fire and charcoal. Always ensure the fire is completely extinguished when leaving the area or before going to sleep.
Q. Is there an air conditioner?
Yes, we installed an air conditioner in the living room in the winter of 2021. Summer temperatures here usually range from 25–27°C (77–81°F) on warm days, and thanks to our hilltop location with good ventilation, fan cooling used to be sufficient. However, due to recent extreme summer heatwaves, we installed an air conditioner to ensure guests—including families with small children and those sensitive to heat or cold—can stay comfortably.
Are there any precautions to keep in mind while staying?
・Because the facility is located in a natural environment, insects may occasionally get inside. Please keep doors and screen windows closed, and be careful when dealing with any insects (insecticide spray is provided).
・As this is a historic building, many items and fixtures are delicate. Please handle everything with care so that future guests can also enjoy a pleasant stay.
What kinds of shops are located nearby?
Convenience Store (Yamazaki Y-Shop): 10-minute walk
Home Improvement Store (Homac Nicot Hanakawa Branch): 5-minute drive
Supermarkets (Sanyu Store Isohara Chuo Branch and Maruto SC Isohara): 10-minute drive
If you are coming by train, we recommend buying groceries at the supermarkets near Isohara Station before arriving at the house.
Are there any local specialties?
Monkfish (Ankou) is famous in this region, and Ankou Nabe (monkfish hot pot) is highly recommended during the winter season. You can purchase Ankou Nabe sets at Matsunoya, a seafood market near nearby Otsu Port (items may sell out, so feel free to check with them in advance).
Are there any sightseeing spots in the surrounding area?
The region offers beautiful mountains, ocean views, and various attractions:
Shrines & Temples: Sawawachi Shinto Shrine (1-min walk, on-site) / Jorenji Temple (3-min drive) / Hanazono Shrine (17-min drive)
Mountains: Mount Akane (7-min drive) / Hanazono Gorge (17-min drive)
Sea & Coast: Futatsujima Island (10-min drive) / Otsu Port (16-min drive) / Izura Coast & Rokkakudo (20-min drive)
Sports: Ujo no Sato Sports Ground (12-min walk)
Additionally, there are many famous attractions in Ibaraki and neighboring Fukushima Prefecture:
Ibaraki Prefecture: Hitachi Seaside Park (Nemophila flowers, festivals, etc.) / Fukuroda Falls / Mt. Tsukuba / Kairakuen Garden / Ushiku Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) / Aqua World Oarai / Ryujin Suspension Bridge (Bungee Jumping) / Kashima Shrine / Kasama Pottery (Kasama-yaki)
Fukushima Prefecture: Mt. Bandai / Ouchi-juku / Goshikinuma Ponds / Tsuruga Castle (Wakamatsu Castle) / Lake Inawashiro / Abukuma Cave
* Example 3-day/2-night itinerary for repeat Marcelo guests (6 guests total: Father, Mother, Grandparents, 4yo, 6yo):
Day 1: Aquamarine Fukushima & Shioyazaki Lighthouse → Marcelo (Casual BBQ & Fireworks)
Day 2: Spa Resort Hawaiians (30-min drive via highway) → Marcelo
Day 3: Isohara Coast (Swimming & Watermelon Splitting) → Hot Spring (Yamanoyu) → Return Home